Oven to counter gap cover

ABSTRACT

An oven to counter gap cover device covers the gap between an oven and an adjacent counter top to prevent an unsanitary condition where food falls into the gap. The oven to counter gap cover device includes a rigid “L” shaped section of length approximately equal to the depth of the oven. Springs integrated into the vertical portion of the “L” shape section are compressed as the vertical portion is pushed in between the oven and counter. The force from the compressed springs holds the oven to counter gap device against the oven and counter top to keep it in place during cleaning and prevent food from getting under it.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

“Not Applicable”

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

“Not Applicable”

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE, OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISC APPENDIX

“Not Applicable”

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Household counters are designed with an open space to insert a free standing oven. The open counter space for the oven must be wider than the oven to allow for installation of the oven. This width difference results in a gap between the oven and the counter top. During food preparation, food is frequently dropped into this gap. This creates an unsanitary condition where dropped food builds up in this gap.

In order to clean the food build up in the gap between an oven and counter it is necessary to pull the oven out from the counter. This is difficult to do due to the weight and large size of ovens. There is a need to cover the gap between the oven and counter top to prevent food from falling in and therefore prevent the need to repeatedly pull the oven out from the counter for cleaning.

Oven and counter top surfaces require regular wiping to maintain cleanliness. There is a need for an oven to counter gap cover device to maintain position during the cleaning of the oven and counter top surfaces.

Due to being located next to the oven and stove there is a need for the oven to counter gap cover device to not deform or separate after exposure to high temperature. There is a need for a device that is constructed of a single piece of material or constructed of mechanically attached components as components attached with adhesives would tend separate at high temperature.

There is a need for the oven to counter gap cover device to be easily removed, cleaned, and replaced multiple times without degrading its ability to maintain position or tight gaps to counter top and oven.

Ovens and counter top surface relative heights vary. There is a need for an oven to counter gap cover device that can minimize the gap between the oven to counter gap cover device and the oven and the gap between the oven to counter gap cover device and the counter when the oven and counter top surfaces are at different heights.

There is a need for a low cost oven to counter gap cover device. A single piece injection molded part satisfies this need.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The oven to counter gap cover device is comprised of an “L” shaped section of length approximately equal to the depth of a household oven. The horizontal portion of the “L” section is angled downward slightly such that the tip rests on the counter top. The vertical portion of the “L” section is inserted between the counter and oven. Cantilever springs incorporated into the vertical portion of the “L” section facing the counter are compressed as the vertical section is inserted between the oven and counter. The springs push against the counter in the horizontal direction pressing the vertical portion of the “L” section against the oven and keeping it parallel to the vertical side of the oven. By keeping the vertical portion of the “L” section pressed against and parallel to the vertical side of the oven, 2 critical functions are achieved even when oven and counter top surfaces are at different heights. The first function is that the gap between the vertical portion of the “L” section and the oven is minimized, preventing food from getting between the device and the oven. The second function is that the horizontal portion of the “L” section does not tip up creating a gap with the counter that would allow food to get under it. The horizontal force resulting from the compressed springs in the vertical portion of the “L” section also results in static friction between the vertical portion of the “L” section and the oven and in static friction between the spring tip and counter vertical surface. These static frictions result in 2 more critical functions even when oven and counter top surfaces are at different heights. The first function is that once the horizontal portion of the “L” section is pushed down against the counter top it will be held down preventing food from getting under it. The second function is that the entire oven to counter gap cover device is made difficult to move during cleaning of the oven and counter surfaces.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the oven to counter gap cover device installed between an oven and kitchen counter top.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the oven to counter gap cover device.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view of the oven to counter gap cover device installed between an oven and kitchen counter top.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an alternate oven to counter gap cover device made by an extruded polymer with separately attached springs.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an alternate cover device made of sheet metal with separately attached springs.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an alternate cover device made of sheet metal with springs cut and formed from the vertical section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the invention, reference is made to the drawings in which reference numerals refer to the like elements, and which are intended to show by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. It is understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that structural changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the oven to counter gap cover device 10 is positioned between the oven 11 and counter 12. The oven to counter gap cover device 10 can also be placed between the oven 11 and the counter on the opposite side 13.

Referring to FIG. 2, the oven to counter gap cover device 10 is comprised of a horizontal section 14, a vertical section 15 and two or more cantilever springs 16 which are integrated into the vertical section. The oven to counter gap cover device is made of a polymer and made by injection molding, including the integrated springs.

Referring to FIG. 3, a cross section of the oven to counter gap cover device 10 is shown in the installed state between the oven 11 and counter 12. The cantilever springs 16 are shown in the compressed position. The tips of the springs are curved inward to prevent binding on counter 12 during removal.

Referring to FIG. 4, an oven to counter gap cover device of alternate construction 17 is shown. The horizontal section 18 and vertical section 19 are made from a polymer made by extrusion. The springs 20 are made of a polymer or metal and are attached separately by riveting, heat staking, or other means.

Referring to FIG. 5 an oven to counter gap cover device of alternate construction 21 is shown. The horizontal section 22 and vertical section 23 are made from formed sheet metal. The springs 24 are made of a polymer or metal and are attached separately by riveting, heat staking, or other means.

Referring to FIG. 6 an oven to counter gap cover device of alternate construction 25 is shown. The horizontal section 26 and vertical section 27 are made from formed sheet metal. The springs 28 are cut and formed from the vertical section 27. 

1. The oven to counter gap cover device is comprised of: A rigid “L” shape section of length approximately equal to the depth of a household oven; and 2 or more cantilever springs integrated into the vertical portion of the “L” shaped section with springs positioned up at angle and the tips of the springs are curved inward.
 2. The oven to counter gap cover device of claim 1 wherein said part is constructed of a polymer made by injection molding.
 3. The oven to counter gap cover device of claim 1 wherein said “L” shaped section is constructed of a polymer made by extrusion.
 4. The oven to counter gap cover device of claim 3 wherein said cantilever springs are made of a polymer and attached separately.
 5. The oven to counter gap cover device of claim 3 wherein said cantilever springs are made of a metal and attached separately.
 6. The oven to counter gap cover device of claim 1 wherein said “L” shaped section is constructed of a sheet metal made by forming.
 7. The oven to counter gap cover device of claim 6 wherein said cantilever springs are made of a metal and attached separately.
 8. The oven to counter gap cover device of claim 6 wherein said cantilever springs are cut and formed from the vertical portion of the “L” shaped section. 